In my line of work, it is not unusual to be called to the reception to meet a stranger. These strangers come in all shapes and forms, with all manner of stories and at times with different motives. Over the years, some of the stories I have listened to have surprised me, others have shocked me, and others have moved me to the point of mobilising support from colleagues and friends to help a total stranger whose only connection to me was the fact that they knew I worked on radio. Other stories have simply left me disturbed wondering how the person got there and what they can do to help themselves. A few days ago I was called to the reception to speak to a lady who said she wanted to see me. She looked about 35 years old and was dressed casually in a flowery top, black pants and shiny sandals. When I approached her, she got up to say hello and her beautiful smile totally concealed any troubles she may have had. I asked her what I could do for her and she told me her story. Susan (not her real name) is a mother of three. She lives with her mother and one of her children while the other two live with their paternal grandmother. She told me she is looking for a job, any job. I have heard this line before and I know that by the time someone tells you they are looking for ‘any’ job, the situation is dire. There are times all I can offer is a listening ear and some general advice but when someone tells you the day before, all she and her son had was sugar to lick, words can’t help much. I assume because of her mother’s presence the house they live in is paid for by her brother and he also supports their upkeep. However, her mother is currently visiting the same brother, hence no need for him to send money, therefore, Susan must fend for herself and her son. She said she has tried to look for a job everywhere with no luck. She added that she has done everything she can do to try and provide for herself and her child, including selling her body, but things are so bad that even those that would pay for the body no longer want to pay. She is indebted beyond her means and even gave someone her phone as security in exchange for food. After listening to her for a while, I found myself wondering whether she had any other family members or friends besides her mother and brother, but I didn’t ask her about that. I simply worried that by the time your last resort for help is someone you have never seen or met before, it means you have exhausted all your connections (assuming she had people within her circle that had the means to help). I say so because I believe that investing in someone else, or in each other, is one of the greatest investments one can make. If you help someone today that person might help another person someday and hopefully, the trend will continue such that one day when you are not in a position to fend for yourself by virtue of the fact that you helped someone, you will be helped too. As Susan moves on the streets looking for a way to survive, I hope she finds something to do that will provide enough not only for her and her son, but something that will enable her lend a hand to someone else in need as sometimes it is that unconscious giving hand that finds its way back to us. Follow Jackie on Twitter @JackieLumbasi
